RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL to Return to The Bushnell, 12/11-14

In 1964, the beloved stop-motion animated television classic, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, made its network television debut delighting audiences across the country. Fifty years later, the long-running TV special comes to life, live on stage with RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL, featuring the world's most famous reindeer and a holly jolly cast of iconic characters. Rudolph and his beloved friends, including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster, help Santa save Christmas this holiday season. The production plays The Bushnell's Mortensen Hall December 11 - 14.

The story tells the tale of a young Rudolph who, because of the appearance of his bright, shining nose, is ousted from the reindeer games in Christmas-town. He flees town, meets up with new friends Hermey and Yukon, and a series of funny and endearing adventures ensue including a visit to The Island of Misfit Toys. Rudolph journeys home, where a snowstorm of epic proportions is threatening Christmas. Can Rudolph save his family and friends and help Santa save the holiday?

Performances are Friday at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.; and Monday at 10:00 a.m., Ticket prices start at $16.00. Tickets are available online at www.bushnell.org, by phone at 860-987-5900, or at The Bushnell box office, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford. Press night for Rudolph is Friday, December 11. The Sunday, December 13 10:00 a.m. show is a sensory-friendly performance.

Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create an arts experience that is welcoming to all families and friends with children or adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivity issues. Slight adjustments to the production are made and accommodations for this performance will include:

- Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds;

- Lights remain on at a low level in the theater during the performance;

- A reduction of strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audience;

- Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance;

- Designated quiet areas within the theater lobby spaces, staffed with autism specialists;

- Space throughout the theater for standing and movement;

- Limited crowds and visitors at The Bushnell during the day and timing of the performance; and

- Bushnell staff and volunteers are trained to be inviting and accommodating to families' needs.

- Use the code SENSORY15 when purchasing tickets for the sensory-friendly performance of Rudolph. Patron accessibility services, including this sensory-friendly performance, are sponsored by Aetna.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL is so faithful to the original show that it practically transports audience members into the television special. The songs drive the plot while familiar and nostalgic set designs, costumes and characters are brought to stage. The cast brings new energy to the classic songs and dialogue, while puppets help showcase the charming "roughness" from the television show's stop-motion effects.